Progress for D.C. Flag Recognition on Flag Day

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton of Washington, D.C., marked Flag Day today by highlighting advancements in securing equivalent acknowledgment for the District of Columbia flag, a cause she has championed for years.

Having seen her D.C. statehood bill clear the House twice and garner a Senate hearing, Norton has pushed for equal respect typically bestowed upon state flags for the D.C. flag, with President Biden voicing support.

In a significant milestone prior to D.C. statehood, Norton’s legislation to have the U.S. flag lowered to half-staff upon the passing of a D.C. mayor was approved by the House Judiciary Committee in 2020.

The National Park Service now proudly flies the D.C. flag alongside state flags opposite Union Station, part of Norton’s efforts to foster parity. Furthermore, armed services are now obligated to display the D.C. flag alongside state flags.

Norton emphasized the correlation between recognizing the D.C. flag on par with state flags and the military service contributions made by District residents, historically and to this day, without representation in Congress.

Pointing to the engagements of D.C. residents in wars spanning from the Revolutionary War to World War I and beyond, Norton underscored the over 5,000 District residents who have made sacrifices in major conflicts.

She stressed that acknowledging the D.C. flag’s significance is a way to pay homage to their enduring commitments and valor.